Means for applying hose couplings



Oct. 14, 1941. A. L.. WALLACE MEANS-FOR APPLYING HOSE COUPLINGS 5 Sheets-Sheet l Original Filed July 2, 1937 e ML2?" 25 LJ --J-c Q 6* Mdm INVENTOR.

' AATTORNEY Oct. 14, 1941. Afl.. WALLACE 2,258,919

MEANS FOR APPLYING HOSE COUPLINGS Original Filed July 2, 1937 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 l JNVENTOR A TTORNEY Oct. 14, 1941. A. L.. WALLACE 2,258,919

I MEANS FOR APPLYING HOSE COUPLINGS Original Filed July 2, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.'

1 n l l I l I l l l 1 ATTORNEY Patented Oct. 14, 1941 MEAN S FR APPLYING H `SE COUPLINGS Archibald L. Wallace, Northport, N. Y.,A assigner,

-by mesne assignments, of .one-half. to Archibald L. Wallace, Vand one-.half to Cherryiield Corporation, a corporation cf Delaware4 OriginalV application July 2, 193'?, Serial No.

151,600. Divided and this application February 26, 1938, Serial No. 192,766

(Cl. Ztl-88.2)

4 Claims.

This invention relates to tting members for iiexible hose, respecially to lanend fitting ofthe with an elastic composition such as rubber, andi the invention relates more particulariyto such'an end-tting of the type in which a Vmetal coupling ring! is providedl with partsextending inside and outside of the hose and at least one of which is bent toward the other part intoclamping engagement with the end ofthe hose.

In order to be desirably eilicientin use, an end fitting of this character should preserve. the'bore of the hose in a smooth condition, and substantially constant in diameter, but in Ythis respect the conventional 'fittings of 'this type have not been altogether satisfactory for the reason that in applying the end fitting, the usage has been to apply exclusively exterior pressure Ato an attaching part or parts of the coupling, such as a set of peripheral fingers, or else it has been the usage to expand against the walls of the vhere an enclusively inner part or parts, such-.as a comple` mental ring or a set of iingers.

The result of such compression exclusively, or expansion exclusively, has been to decrease or enlarge undesirably'the diameter of thebore and in instances where the hose structure includes as an element a helically wound metal wire, this element is frequently cracked or deformed 'by' the pressure so applied, and is no longer fi'uidproof. When usedv for conveying a gas, such as a vapor-- ous refrigerant, the leakage is 'dangerous Vas wel y as wasteful and inconvenient.

YUnder such condition, it is an o'l'ojectV of the present invention to provide ra novel means for attaching a coupling or'end-tting of the? above character in which a ring element is formeelwith an inner part of "generally ann'iilar form; and with 'an outer part of generally annular for-m; these parts being respectively splayed divergently, so that between them is 'formed a channel of approximately V-shapaadapted' to receive snugly the end of thehose; 'and whereby the. fitting may' be readily assembled with said hose endand secured thereon `by applying simultaneously both a compressive 'force against the exteriorelement and countervailing expansive force to the .interior element.

- The result is that there is exerted inl these op.w positedirections a highly effective` clamp-ingpressure, which binds the two elements convergentiy beyond ltheir'elas'tic limit lrespectively.

Thereby is vformeel an endv coupling which holds 55 theend; wall of theihose'under tension which may be of an order insuilici'ent to deform a hel-ically wound tubular component -undesirably A further object of the invention is to provide novel `mechanism certain features of 'whichl possess utility for more general use than in connection with the particulary form -of coupling specified, and constitute improvements over c011- Ventional mechanism for the application of; other coupling structures.

Other objects vand features of ther invention will appear Vas the vdeseription of the Yparti-"cular physical embodiment selected, to, illustrate the invention progresses.

VThe. present application Vis -a @vision of myprilogr 7application Serial No. 151,600, led; July' 2,- 3

In the accompanying drawings, like characters of reference have been vapplied to Corresponding parts throughout theseveral; views that make up the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a view in vertical -sect1onal `elevation of a hose'tting in the construction of; which the present invention has been embodied, the -sarne line 3--3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 isa View, similar to Fig, 1 of a modification;

. Fig. 5 is a view,.similar to Fig. 2of the. modification shown in Figli;

Fig. 6* is a -view similartoFig 3 of the modification shown in Fig. l` taken on the line 4-4 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7l is a view, similar to Fig. 1., of another modification;

Fig. 8 is a` view in vertical sectional elevation, the mechanism for applying to a hose end, ,the fitting illustrated in `the foregoing gures taken on 'the line of the upright shats;

Fig. 9 is a similar View in vertical sectional elevation, showing the interior structure of the fitting and associated parts oi the mechanism taken through the line of the Wedges;

Fig. 10 isa view of a similar characten illus,- trating the mechanism and .fitting in their final positions;

VFig- 11 iSV a 'fragmentary'. :detail View in honi*` zontal sectional elevation, taken :on ythe ,line lI-Ii of Fig. 10;

Fig. 1221s za fragmentary detail viewinhorizonital section Staken yon the line nIZ--EZ of 1,0;

acter F is an end-tting or coupling for a conduit, and is intended primarily for use upon a flexible conduit C such as a hose, having its interior and exterior parts T and T of rubber and an intermediate coil TIV of metal wire with the convolutions of which are interwoven longitudinally extending cotton threads T', although use upon such a hose is merely illustrative. In the instance illustrated, an exterior flexible hose of helically wound metal strip material T' is provided, with interlocking edges T.

In pursuance of the present invention, the end fitting F is formed with a nipple part II, the exterior of which may desirably be threaded in the manner indicated at I3 in Fig. 4, to receive a complemental coupling member of any suitable character, not shown.

In continuation of the nipple portion II is provided a hollow inner projection I4 and an integral outer projection I5, splayed divergently and forming an intermediate V-shaped seat or socket S adapted to receive snugly the end I6 of the conduit C.

In further pursuance of the invention, the nipple and divergently splayed annular attaching parts I4 and I5 are made of a suitable metal, such as brass, somewhat resilient, but not having a very high elastic limit, and which can be deformed conveniently by a suitable tool or mechanism, designed to cause convergence of the annular parts |4 and I5 to an extent that preferably bends them somewhat closer to each other than is indicated in Fig. 2, which represents the relative position of the projection I4 and the projection I5 when they have reacted from the deforming pressure. The parts I4 and |5 in their final position are disposed substantially as indicated in Fig. 2, embracing the end wall I6 of the conduit under a certain compressive tension, the walls |43: and |550 being preferably slightly converging toward each other and the wall |41: being disposed in substantial continuity with the inner wall |61: of the conduit.

When so formed, and united to the conduit end, the latter is firmly clamped, and a strong, permanent fitting is provided, free from the disadvantages characteristic vof the conventional fittings of the same general type, and to which reference has been made already.

The end I6 of the flexible conduit is held "so tightly that the union is substantially as strong as the strength of the material ofthe exible conduit, and in the form of Figs. l, 2 and 3, the fitting is illustrated as a one-piece member.

It is within the purview of the invention, however, to make the divergent wall parts separately, as for example, in the form of the modification illustrated in Figs. 4, 5 and 6; and also to make the coupling proper as shown in Fig. 7 with the attaching wall parts 24 and 25 integral with a ring 22 which has a shoulder or flange 23 adapted to cooperate with a swiveling complemental flange or shoulder 2| upon a union 20 of con-4 ventional form, adapted by a thread I9, to be screwed upon a male member (not shown) in known fashion.

The annular conduit-engaging wall |4 may be somewhat thicker toward its free end than nearer its root I2, as shown in all of the figures, and thus aids to grip the conduit end very firmly.

In the modification shown in Fig. 7, the wall 25:1: of the outer boss 25 is shown as formed with rugosities 25x or serrations, to supplement the frictional effect by positive means adapted to enter the penetrable component of the conduit end C", it being understood that the wall parts 24 and 25 of this Fig. 7 structure are initially splayed divergently, as in the form shown in Fig. l prior to assembly.

As already indicated briefly, the outer wall part in Fig. 4 is made initially in the shape of a separated bell, having a flaring lip 35m and a flange 33. The part 3| in this modification has its threaded nipple I3 formed integrally with the inner boss or wall 34 and both are extended, in

opposite directions, from a medial rib 32. This rib serves as an abutment for the flange 33 of the outer bell 35, and adjacent to the flange 32 is a groove 3|:v into which the flange 33 can be pressed, as shown in Fig. 5, to complete a rm, permanent attachment, preferably of a non-rotative character.

In other respects, the method of attachment of the form shown in Figs. 4 to 6 is similar to those already described.

It is known to those skilled in the art that if a hose of the type shown in Fig. 1 be unduly distended or compressed by mechanical pressure, it becomes distorted, and the metal becomes loosened from the rubber with consequent deterioration, and the known types of couplings are likely to so injure such a conduit in the course of being applied thereto. No such disadvantage arises with the use of the novel type of tting herein disclosed, in which the pressure is applied uniformly against the inner and outer walls of the conduit, so that there can be no undue expansion or collapsing nor other deleterious distortion, of the hose.

Any suitable means may be used to accomplish the application of the novel type of ttings above disclosed to flexible hose of any type to which the invention is applicable, but I have devised mechanism of a novel type which provides for accomplishing such application of ttings in an expeditious and permanent manner.

Referring now to Figs. 8 to 12 inclusive, a framework designated generally by the reference character 40 is provided in the instance illustrated, having pairs of upright shafts as 4| and 42, with transverse members 43, 44, and 4S which serve to support the various working parts, including a hydraulic or other power cylinder 41 in which reciprocates piston 48 connected by a piston rod 49 to a vertically reciprocable crosshead 50 having its ends 5| guided by the uprights 4| and 42.

The cross-head operates -a plunger 53 at the lower end of which is a mandrel 54 having a tapered leading end and a cylindrical follower portion 55. This works through an aperture 56 in a block 51 having end parts 58 (see Fig. 9) with openings 60 through which slide wedges 6I having their outer edges 62 guided by the walls 59 of the openings 60. The upper ends 63 of the wedges are fitted into openings 64 of the `crosshead ends 5|, and are held in place by pins 465, so that the wedges move up and down concurrently with the plunger 53. Y i

In the block 51 is seated one of the fittings F already described, with its nipple II extended into a boss 61 of the block 51, and the walls I4 and I5 extend downwardly, receiving the hose end I6 in the V-shaped notch therebetween, as illustrated.

Around the circumference of the tting are arranged in a series the die blocks 'I0 each of which is adapted to be moved inward radially by action of one of the wedges 6I as it descends (see Figs. 11 and 12). Expansion spring rings 69 bias the dies 'ID to open position when the wedges occupy their Fig. 9 relative arrangement.

When the plunger 53 and wedges 6I have completed their downward stroke the parts all occupy the relative position shown in Fig. 10, and the walls I4 and I5 have been moved into convergent clamping engagement with the hose end I6, the attachment being better illustrated in its completed condition in Fig, 2.

Upon withdrawal of the plunger, the tting and hose can be readily withdrawn from the press and the operation repeated.

In Figs. 13 and 14 is shown modified form of coupling adapted to facilitate ready application of standard coupling unions 20 of different sizes to a stock hose C already provided with its fitting Fsc, the latter being similar to the form shown in Fig. 7, in the instance illustrated in Fig. 13.

It will be observed that with the coupling as shown for instance in Fig. 7, the union must be applied to the tting before the latter is applied to the hose. With the structure as shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the fittings can be applied to the hose length and the thus equipped hose lengths can be carried in stock and then the hose lengths with the fittings applied can be taken from stock and the desired unions or swivels applied to suit the needs or desires of the customer. As shown, the flange 2Ia of the swivel or union 20 is so large that it will pass by the flange 22a of the hose fitting Fsc. When the union 20 has been telescoped on the fitting Fx far enough, a spring split ring 23a can be snapped into place about the outer Wall 25 of the fitting Fx. The ring then will interlock the flanges 2 Ia and 22a together so that the parts Fx and 2U are secured together. It will now be seen that lengths of hose may be stocked with the nttings applied and when required may be taken from stock and the desired unions or swivels applied in the manner as described.

It will be noted in Figs. 3 and 12 that the tting F therein shown is provided with peripheral ribs I0, to furnish a better grip by the-hand of the operator when the hose is being coupled, and in Fig. 12 the die blocks 'I0 havetheir Working ends formed of a suitable contour to clear such ribs.

In general, the dies 'ill Will be of a proper form to meet the exigencias of any particular forming operation.

While the invention has been illustrated in what are considered its best applications it may have other embodiments without departing from its spirit and is not, therefore, limited to the structures shown in the drawings.

What I claim is:

1. Means for applying to the end of a iiexible hose a fitting comprising a metallic annular attaching member having double walls splayed divergently to provide an intermediate V-shaped channel wherein may be inserted readily an end of said hose, said means comprising an axially reciprocating plunger having a central forming means including a wedging boss of suitable diameter to enter the axial bore of said member and wedge the inner of said walls outwardly by axial movement of said plunger and a concentric forming-means adapted to pass over the exterior wall of said member, both forming means being of adequate length to engage, and to deform into retentive engagement With the hose end, said attaching walls in opposed clamping disposition and longitudinally reciprocating Wedging means for radially moving said concentric means, the last mentioned wedging means and said plunger being secured together against relative movement.

2. Mechanism for applying to the end of a hose a tting of the class described, said mechanism comprising a plunger having a central forming means including a boss of suitable diameter to enter the axial bore of said fitting and to bend said inner attachment wall outwardly into engagement with the inner walls of the hose, and a series of radially displaceable elements surrounding said outer attachment wall of the iitting to bend said outer attachment Wall inwardly and a common operating means for said boss and elements.

3. Mechanism for applying fittings to hose ends, said mechanism having the features claimed in claim 2 in which a yieldingly resilient means is provided to bias said displaceable elements outwardly to clear the hose and fitting during insertion and removal, and a connecting means is provided whereby said displaceable elements are forced into closing position around said iitting when assembled with the hose.

4. Mechanism for applying to the end of a hose a fitting of the class described, said mechanism comprising a plunger having a central forming means including a boss of suitable diameter to enter the axial bore of said tting and to bend said inner attachment wall outwardly into engagement with the inner walls of the hose, a series of radially displaceable elements surrounding said outer attachment wall of the fitting, to bend said inner attachment Wall inwardly, and a series of Wedges connected with said plunger and adapted to be moved by plunging action thereof into wedging engagement with said displaceable elements.

ARCHIBALD L. WALLACE. 

